Dogfest set for this weekend

August 11, 2014

Shepherdstown's second annual summer "DogFest" will be held the weekend of Aug. 9 and 10.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. It will include a wide variety of activities for dogs, their owners, and dog lovers, as well as activities that everybody can enjoy.

The highlight of the event will be a special "Look and Learn" parade featuring more than 20 rare breeds of dogs that are rarely seen outside of major dog shows. The parade will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Afterwards, spectators will have an opportunity to meet and talk with owners and breeders. Participating breeds will include: Giant Schnauzer; Bouvier de Flandres; Briard; Komondor; Puli; Portugese Water Dog; Boykin and Clumber Spaniels; Basenji; Afghan Hound; Borzoi; Irish Wolfhound; Bedlington, Kerry Blue, and Skye Terriers; English, Irish, and Gordon Setters; Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Presa Canario and English Mastiffs; Chinese Crested; Japanese Chin; and Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless).

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Saturday's activities will include a dog show open to dogs owned by residents and visitors; judges will include Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley and Shepherdstown Mayor Jim Auxer. There will also be Border Collie sheep-herding demonstrations by the Virginia Border Collie Association.

Both days will also include blessings of the dogs; exhibits and demonstrations by trainers, rescue organizations and others; and street music.

All activities will be free and everyone will be welcome. Most of the activities will be held on King Street in the heart of downtown.

Throughout the weekend, most restaurants and stores and will let dog owners bring their dogs inside. Many will also be offering special dog-themed food, drinks, and items for sale.

Pools and misters will be set up so dogs can stay cool in the August heat.

This year's DogFest weekend is being sponsored by China Kitchen, CT Walls and Floors, Greensburg Bed & Biscuit, the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital, Shepherd University, the Shepherdstown Visitors Center, the Shepherdstown Business Association, the Station at Shepherdstown, and the Town of Shepherdstown.

A detailed schedule of the weekend's activities is available on the Visitors Center website at www.shepherdstown.info.